SCOTTISH EX-POLICE OFFICER JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

A former police officer from the Scottish Borders has been given an eight-month prison sentence after it was revealed that he had downloaded more than 3,000 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse over a span of three years. Clayton Lackenby, aged 50, admitted to possessing material that included images of children as young as two years old on his personal computer. The discovery was made following a police search of his residence in Ancrum in July 2022. Authorities recovered over 500 images and 85 videos classified as Category A, signifying the most severe forms of sexual abuse content. At the time of the offences, Lackenby was serving as a police sergeant; he was immediately suspended from duty and later resigned from Police Scotland. During the sentencing hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff Daniel Kelly noted that, given the prolonged period of offending and the age of the victims involved, a custodial sentence was the only appropriate response. Lackenby’s legal representative stated that he had engaged with the charity Stop It Now, and emphasized that none of the material was connected to his police role. The lawyer also noted that Lackenby recognized the gravity of his conduct and expressed remorse. He has since relocated to Hawick and has been placed on the sex offenders register for ten years. The court also announced that Scottish ministers will be asked to consider whether Lackenby should be included in the list of individuals unsuitable to work with children or vulnerable adults in future employment.